Tom Schmidt was a bad-ass son of a bitch, who mainly dealt with the world with his fists. As a result, Tom, landed in juvenile prison. Tom sort of flourished in juvie, catching up on the schooling that he had missed, earlier in life. In fact, Tom did so well that, probably with the aid of his mother's rich husband, he was released from juvie and allowed to attend Arcadia's Continuation High School. Tom did very well academically in Continuation High School and, after a year, was allowed to attend Arcadia High School. As a result of his work at Continuation High School, Tom was put into Advanced Placement level courses.
At Arcadia High School, Tom met Honey Marlowe.
Honey Marlowe was the consummate Arcadia girl. Honey was a star student, even among the very intelligent Arcadia High School students. Honey was also very skilled socially, which wasn't all that unexpected, as she was maybe the prettiest girl in a school of rich, pretty girls. Honey wasn't allowed to have anything to do with the likes of Tom. Despite the restriction, or maybe because of the restriction, Honey was one of the very few friends that Tom had.
Tom then discovers that Honey can read minds. Honey also puts an overaggressive boy on the ground, without laying a finger on him. Honey has paranormal powers.
Disaster then strikes the families of Honey and Tom.
Tom manages to cope, but Honey dies.
Tom avenges Honey's death and then lives by his wits, for a while. He meets Andrea, another girl with paranormal powers.
Andrea is a pretty girl, but not the burning flame that Honey was. Andrea doesn't like Tom all that much, but she gradually comes to see that Tom just might fit in her world.